UP TO 2,000 people turned out to enjoy environmental activities at Witton Park on Sunday, as part of the 12th annual Greenweek festival.

Being in competition with Ireland's televised World Cup match against Spain did not stop the event from attracting thousands, who lapped up the summer sunshine.

Pottery workshops and woodturning went hand in hand with theatre performances with the theme of the environment and animal displays.

Many also tried their hand at the earth healing workshop, which gave the environment spiritual encouragement and a duck race along the River Darwen in aid of the mayor's charities.

Street band the Blow Jangles helped keep everyone in party spirits with their uplifting music.

Bronwyn Earnshaw, parks development officer for organisers Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said: "It has been brilliant sunshine and the football hasn't put people off from coming along. The bedding box area is always really popular, because people get to learn a bit about planting and get to take the put and the herbs home with them."

The event is the first in a series for Greenweek 2002, which runs until Sunday, June 23.

The annual environmental event aims to highlight green issues and make people more aware of how their actions can create a better and less wasteful world and encourages them to "go green".